Trailblazer Softball Drops Two To Ohio University-Chillicothe

The Ohio Christian University Trailblazer softball team welcomed the Hilltoppers of Ohio University-Chillicothe to Ted Lewis Park in downtown Circleville for twilight double header on Thursday, March 31. "This has become one of our favorite friendly rivalries to play," said Head Coach Emory Clark. "They are a fun team to play, and we usually have some exciting games between the two clubs."

Offensively the Trailblazers accumulated a total of seven hits during in game one of the night. Sarah Williams, MacKenna Jennings, Elizabeth Smith and Crystal Thorne each scored one run and Sarah Williams had two stolen bases. This was not enough, however, and the Trailblazers eventually fell 13-4.

Defensively freshman pitcher MacKenna Jennings added two strikeouts to her season total. Freshman Kelli Manning had a solid game hauling in seven put outs at first base with only one error. Freshman catcher Sarah Williams also made her contribution defensively with two defensive assists, the first being the first runner caught stealing by the Trailblazers this season.

The second game of the double header was, by coaches agreement, shortened to a five inning game due to cold weather and the late hour. "The decision to shorten the game had to be made prior to the start. It's always risky," said Coach Clark. "We scored a run in the fifth inning, and had a strong part of our lineup due up had we gone into the sixth. Who knows, the moment might have shifted and we might have been able to pull it out."

Offensively the Trailblazers scored 3 runs on 4 hits in the second game. Freshman PaLaura Parker had one base on balls, one stolen base, one triple, and one run scored. Freshman third baseplayer Rachel Briggs also added a triple and a run scored. Freshman Sarah Williams made her contribution with a single and a run scored.

Defensively MacKenna Jennings continued her record setting pace for strikeouts with six strikeouts for the game while also adding one assist and one put out with only one error. "Our defense was much better the second game. The shortened game just didn't give our bats enough time to catch up to the defense," said Coach Clark.

Ohio Christian University softball competes in the National Christian College Athletic Association Mid East Region and in the Ohio Collegiate Athletic Conference. For more information about OCU softball contact head coach Emory Clark at eclark@ohiochristian.edu or 740-477-7707.